North Korea to become a beach holiday destination

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The beaches of North Korea, a notoriously reclusive state, have been little-visited by Westerners and with Kim Jong-un's missile testing and public executions making headlines, may not be the first thing that springs to mind when one thinks of the country.

But this might be set to change, with the beach resorts becoming easier to visit this summer.

Young Pioneer Tours is organising the first dedicated beach holidays to stretches of sand at Wonsan, Kumgang and Hamhung, which it describes in promotional literature as “stunning and gorgeous”.

Those looking to interact with locals might be keen for the opportunity to play a game of football or volleyball on the beach. Other activities available include hiking up Mt Kumgang, perhaps inspired by Kim Jong-un’s recent, widely-publicised ascent of the country’s highest mountain (Mount Paektu).

Photo: (Young Pioneer Tours)

Beachside eateries apparently offer cheap seafood and the chance to kick back, drink some soju and relax, while there are surfboards to hire too.

Young Pioneer Tours recommends the trip, which also takes in Pyongyang and the Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), for North Korea “veterans” or for any who want to see the main sites but at a slower pace, with beach time included so that it feels like more of a traditional summer holiday.

Photo: (Young Pioneer Tours)

Gareth Johnson, CEO of Young Pioneer Tours, said: “Trips to North Korea can be quite hard going, as there are lots of monuments to see, cooperative farms and what have you, while you’re learning about the country. We have included the DMZ on this trip but it is essentially a beach holiday.”